United Kingdom is the windiest country in Europe, so much so that we could power our country several times over. 
Wind Turbines
Wind is an age old energy, having been harnessed for many hundreds of years, from propelling boats to driving Windmills. However it is only until fairly recently, has its full potential at delivering an energy source for the masses been realized.
Wind turbines are becoming more and more popular throughout the world, due to global warming and the need to generate a sustainable source of energy. On this page you will find a list of the various advantages and disadvantages of wind power.
Advantages of wind power
Once up and running, wind turbines produce 100% zero pollution; they are one of the most environmentally friendly sources of energy available at present time.
Wind turbines have a low embodied energy, requiring minimal manufacturing, transport and installation costs, in comparison to other alternative energy forms such as solar panels, CHP.
Compared to solar energy, the wind can (depending on weather conditions) generate electricity constantly, 24 hours a day, throughout a windy night or on a cloudy day, which then can be stored for later use.
Wind power is a worldwide recognized symbol of green energy, the use of which indicates the user is environmentally conscious.
Many alternative forms of wind turbines are available, which unlike decentralized power plants, can provide energy to individual homes, installed on rooftops and in gardens.
Wind turbines are available anywhere, allowing remote rural and poorer areas which are not connected to the main power grid to produce their own electricity. This encourages energy independence, reducing our dependence on power sources. See Building Resilience in Communities
Generally installation of a home wind turbine is easier and cheaper than the installation of other renewable methods of generating electricity, such as solar panels.
You can earn money by selling your excess electricity to a local energy supplier, reducing payback times.
Disadvantages of wind power
Wind power cannot be completely relied upon; as naturally, wind is intermittent, varying from zero to gale force speeds. This means many supplies need an alternative energy supply to meet demands in low wind conditions.
Use of wind power in poor locations, particularly urban, densely populated, low lying areas, is not effective and does not produce significant energy.
Wind turbines may be adopted by businesses to create a green façade to mask other more environmentally damaging activities.
Wind turbines are often clustered together in ‘Wind farms’ which are often described as visually unattractive, spoiling of the countryside, altering its natural form.
Wind turbines are noisy, a problem particularly when installed close to homes and buildings, with decibels matching that of high speed traffic.
Wind turbines installed on homes can create turbulence and vibrations which, if installed incorrectly may damage property and/or be ineffective.
The power output of individual wind turbines remain restricted by their design, with the largest single turbine available today able to produce enough electricity for approximately 500 homes.
Overview
There are many advantages and disadvantages of wind turbines, as this article illustrates, however as the intensity surrounding the need to be environmentally friendly increases, we are seeing more and more choosing the wind powered option, whether this be individuals retrofitting their homes, or energy producers in large offshore wind farms.
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Advantages & Disadvantages of Heat Pumps
Wind Turbine Integration on Rooftops and Buildings